Autism Spectrum Disorder is a brain developmental disability observed in early childhood, as early as 12 months, characterized by abnormalities in social interaction and communication.

Features

• Normal social interaction is not observed.
• Lack of nonverbal communication like reduced eye contact, facial expressions etc.
• Language deviation and delay in speaking.
• Repetitive and stereotyped behavior.
• Relationship with parents or siblings or with other children like talking or playing, reciprocal smiling is absent.
• Not able to express emotions or feelings.

Causes

Although the cause is unknown, the hypothesis includes genetic abnormalities, obstetric complications, and exposure to toxic agents in prenatal, perinatal and postnatal infection.

Ayurveda says

Direct correlation is not found, but seeing defects in the neurophysiological platform and abnormality in the metabolic and digestive systems, it can be correlated to Madavarta. The impairment of mana (mind), buddhi (intelligence), achar ( behavior) and samjnajnana ( knowledge of grasping and understanding) is seen.

Treatment is aimed at

• Aahar (diet)
• Aushadha (medicines)
• Rasayana (immunomodulators)
• Daivavyapashraya, rasayana chikitsa
• Behaviour and speech therapy

Due to ingrained pathology, these should be done regularly.

Prevention

Garbhadarana samskara (Preconception procedure) is followed by Garbhiniparicharya (Following a diet and other regulations during pregnancy).

Conclusion

Though the exact cause is still not known, once recognized a child with ASD, early intervention helps the child to recover better and good improvement is seen over a period of time with improved speech and language skills.

We at Vinayaka Ayurveda Chikitsalaya help the children with taking care of their diet and medicines with Daivavyapashraya and Satvavajaya chikitsa.